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Geelong face a litmus test of their newfound form when they lock horns with Brisbane at their Gabba fortress. Join The Roar for live scores from 4:35pm (AEST).
Brisbane continue to grow in reputation following four wins from their last five, yet did fade late to allow the Demons to pip them by a point in Round 18. It was a heartbreaking loss for the Queenslanders that could potentially deny them a top two spot come the end of the home and away season.
The run home looks decent for the Lions, with Collingwood the most significant challenge. A win today against a resurgent Cats team could go a long way towards locking in a top four finish, with matches against a number of teams outside the top eight on the cards across the final five weeks of play.
After crazy suggestions that the Cats were a chance of missing the eight after some weak performances in the opening third of the season have been put to bed, with the Geelong train leaping back onto the tracks in recent weeks
With matches against the top three teams on the run home and a chance to make up some real ground, one would be silly to write off the reigning premiers’ chances of doing so.
Team news sees the visitors in excellent shape, with no changes from last week’s team that thrashed Essendon. In a huge boost for the Lions, Josh Dunkley is back and Callum Ah Chee also comes into the squad. Zac Bailey and Jarryd Lions are out.
Prediction
This does loom as something of a tricky trip north for the Cats, with the Lions rarely losing at home and an open game certain if the weather is good.
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Locking down the open spaces of the Gabba may be a bridge too far for the visitors and the Lions should continue their march towards the finals in style.
Game Information
Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane First bounce:4:35pm (AEST) TV: Fox Footy Streaming:Kayo Sports Betting: Lions $1.47, Cats $2.70 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Brisbane
B: B. Starcevich, H. Andrews (c), J. Payne
HB: C. McKenna, R. Lester, K. Coleman
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C: W. Ashcroft, D. Zorko, J. Berry
HF: C. Cameron, E. Hipwood, L. McCarthy
F: J. Dunkley, J. Daniher, C. Rayner
R: O. McInerney, L. Neale (c), H. McCluggage
I/C: C. Ah Chee, J. Gunston, J. Fletcher, D. Wilmot
EMG: K. Lohmann, J. Tunstill, D. Fort, D. Joyce
IN: Ah Chee, Dunkley.
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OUT: Bailey, Lyons.
Geelong
B: J. Kolodjashnij, J. Henry, J. Bowes
HB: Z. Guthrie, S. De Koning, T. Stewart
C: M. Duncan, T. Atkins, M. Blicavs
HF: G. Miers, T. Hawkins, T. Stengle
F: G. Rohan, J. Cameron, B. Close
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R: R. Stanley, P. Dangerfield (c), M. Holmes
I/C: T. Bruhn, I. Smith, O. Henry, M. O’Connor
EMG: Z. Tuohy, E. Ratugolea, S. Menegola, O. Mullin
